I work at the palace ballroom

But gee that palace is cheap

When I get back to my chillly hallroom

Im much too tired to sleep

Im one of those lady teachers

A beautiful hostess you know;

One that the palace features

At exactly a dime a throw

Ten cents a dance

Thats what they pay me

Gosh how they weigh me down

Ten cents a dance pansies and rough guys

Tough guys who tear my gown

Seven to midnight I hear drums

Loudly the saxophone blows

Trumpets are tearing my ear-drums

Customers crush my toes

Sometimes I think Ive found my hero

But its a queer romance;

All that you need is a ticket

Come on big boy ten cents a dance

Fighters and sailers and bow-legged tailors

Can pay for their tickets & rent me

Butchers and barbers and rats from the harbour

Are sweethearts my good luck has sent me

Thought Ive a chorus of elderly bows

Stockings are porous with holes at the toes

Im here till closing time

Dance and be merry its only a dime

Sometimes I think

Ive found my hero

But its a queer romance;

All that you need is a ticket

Come on come on big boy

Ten cents a dance